Enabling social interactive wireless communications

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented system and method for enabling social interactive wireless communication between at least two mobile devices is presented. In particular, the system and method comprises affiliating and/or synchronizing a first mobile device and a second mobile device with an interactive social network. Further, the present invention comprises associating at least one first social interactive pairing criterion with the first mobile device, and associating at least one second social interactive pairing criterion with a second mobile device. Upon disposition of the first and second mobile devices in a physical and/or geographic proximity to one another, the present invention further comprises determining whether the first and second social interactive pairing criterion at least partially coincide with one another, and establishing a communication channel between the first and second mobile devices for communication therebetween.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a system and method for enablingsocial interactive wireless communication between at least two mobiledevices, for instance, upon disposition of the wireless devices in aphysical and/or geographic proximity to one another.

2. Description of the Related Art

As the sophistication of mobile technology continues to increase, moreindividuals are using mobile devices to accomplish everyday tasks,including, but certainly not limited to, e-mail, web browsing, textmessaging, and/or task management. Of course, many of these mobiledevices may also serve as wireless and/or cellular telephones. Inaddition, many mobile devices include locational software and/ormechanisms, such as global positioning systems (“GPS”) to estimateand/or locate the particular device's location.

In addition, social networking via the World Wide Web, such as viasocial networking websites including MYSPACE®, FACEBOOK®, LINKEDIN®,and/or dating websites including EHARMONY® or MATCH.COM®, continues toevolve and affect many individuals and entities of today's society.While many individuals are associated with a variety of “contacts”and/or “friends” within these social networking and/or dating websites,it would be beneficial to be advised when the individual is in aphysical and/or geographic proximity to one or more “friends” or“contacts” and be able to communicate therewith via their respectivemobile devices. It would also be beneficial to locate certainprospective dating and/or social matches who are disposed in aphysically proximate location. This would facilitate communicationtherebetween and perhaps establish a long-time relationship.

Accordingly, there is a current need in the art of mobile technology fora system and/or method of synchronizing or affiliating one or moremobile devices with an interactive social network and enabling socialinteractive wireless communication therebetween, for example, upondisposition of the mobile devices in a physical and/or geographicproximity to one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention are related to acomputer-implemented system and/or method for enabling or facilitatingsocial interactive wireless communication between at least two mobiledevices. In particular, the mobile devices may comprise virtually anyportable, mobile, or easily transportable device equipped with thevarious structures and/or software applications so as to facilitate thepractice of the present invention in the intended manner, as will beapparent from the description provided herein.

At least one embodiment of the present invention comprises synchronizingand/or affiliating the one or more mobile devices, such as a first andsecond mobile device, with an interactive network, such as, for example,an interactive social network, social networking website(s), datingservice(s), affinity groups, etc. Furthermore, the present inventioncomprises associating at least one first and second interactive orsocial interactive pairing criterion with the first and second mobiledevices, respectively. The first interactive pairing criteria maycorrespond with a desired prospective match, and may include forinstance, certain physical features of the desired prospective match.The second interactive pairing criteria may include, for instance, apre-established profile associated with a user of the second device.

Accordingly, at least one embodiment of the present invention furthercomprises disposing the first and second mobile devices in a physicaland/or geographic proximity to one another, and determining whether thefirst and second social interactive pairing criterion at least partiallycoincide with one another. Specifically, if the physical featuresassociated with a prospective match identified by the user of the firstmobile device at least partially corresponds or coincides with theprofile of the user associated with the second mobile device, then, inat least one embodiment, a communication channel is establishedtherebetween. The respective users may then communicate with one anothervia the first and second mobile devices.

In yet another embodiment, the first and second mobile devices aresynchronized or affiliated with a social networking website, such as,for example, MYSPACE®, FACEBOOK®, LINKEDIN®, etc. The first and secondsocial interactive pairing criteria may thus be associated with a“friend” or “contact” list within the social networking website. Assuch, upon disposition of the first and second mobile devices in aphysical and/or geographic proximity to one another, if the users are“friends” or “contacts” within the social networking website, acommunication channel between the mobile devices may automaticallyand/or upon selective confirmation by the users, be established.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clear when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the nature of the presentinvention, reference should be had to the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of at least one embodiment of thesystem for enabling social interactive wireless communication asdisclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating at least one embodiment of themethod for enabling social interactive wireless communication asdisclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a first and second mobile devicecomprising coinciding first and second social interactive pairingcriteria.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of thesystem for enabling social interactive wireless communication asdisclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the systemand method for enabling interactive wireless communication disclosed inaccordance with the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed to a system, generally indicated as10, and method, generally indicated as 100, for enabling or facilitatinginteractive wireless communication between at least two mobile devices20, 30 and/or the respective users 22, 32 thereof. In particular, thevarious embodiments of the present invention comprise at least one firstmobile device 20 and at least one second mobile device 30 disposable ina physical and/or geographic proximity relative to one another.

The first and second mobile devices 20, 30 of the various embodiments ofthe present invention may comprise virtually any device or structurewhich is movable, portable, and/or can otherwise be easily carried ortransported by a user 22, 32 thereof and which is further structured tofacilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner,as described in detail herein. As such, the first and second mobiledevices 20, 30 may include, but are certainly not limited to, a cellulartelephone, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), portable video gameconsole, portable media player, pager, digital and/or wireless camera,etc.

Moreover, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the firstand second mobile devices 20, 30 are structured to synchronize with, orotherwise be affiliated with, an interactive network 40, as generallyillustrated at 102. As will become apparent from the followingdiscussion, the interactive network 40 of the various embodiments of thepresent invention may include, for example, an interactive socialnetwork, social networking website(s), dating service(s), datingwebsite(s), affinity groups, etc., such as, MYSPACE®, FACEBOOK®,EHARMONY®, a college fraternity, a group of friends, the United StatesArmy, or any other network comprising a plurality of users and/ormembers associated or registered therewith. Particularly, in at leastone embodiment, synchronizing and/or affiliating the first and secondmobile devices 20, 30 with the interactive network 40 comprises a user22, 32 of the respective mobile device 20, 30 to opt into theinteractive network 40, by, for instance, registering, downloading,installing, and/or linking with the interactive network 40. Upon doingso, as will be explained in greater detail below, in at least oneembodiment, a first interactive or social interactive pairing criterion25 is associated with the first mobile device 20, as generally indicatedat 104, and a second interactive or social interactive pairing criterion35 is associated with the second mobile device 30, as generallyindicated at 106. More in particular, and as will become apparent fromthe discussion herein, the first and second interactive pairing criteria25, 35 are structured and disposed to at least partially define a matchor other communicative or pairing relationship between the respectivefirst and second mobile devices 20, 30.

Further, at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises atleast one social network server 60 which is structured to store, manage,or control the interactive network 40 of the present invention. A user22, 32 of the first and/or second mobile devices 20, 30 of at least oneembodiment may thus register or develop a profile 42 with theinteractive network 40 by communicating certain profile information tothe social interactive server 60. The profile information may include,for example, the user's name, age, sex, occupation, salary or income,education, one or more selected affinity groups, as well as one or morephysical features, including height, weight, eye color, hair color, etc.Of course, the profile information may include digital media such asphotographs, videos, audio files, etc.

In addition, the user 22, 32 of one or more mobile devices 20, 30 mayalso or instead upload or communicate to the social interactive server60 certain information pertaining to a desired or prospective socialmatch, such as, for instance, certain physical features or other similarprofile information which the user 22, 32 desires a social match tocomprise, including age, sex, occupation, income level, location, etc.In at least one embodiment, the first and second social interactivepairing criterion 25, 35 associated with the first and second mobiledevices 20, 30 identified above are defined to include the prospectivematch information and/or, the profile information, which may be storedon the social interactive server 60 and/or the corresponding user's 22,32 mobile device 20, 30.

In at least one embodiment wherein the first and/or second socialinteractive pairing criterion 25, 35, such as for instance the profileinformation and/or prospective match information identified above, isstored or contained on the social interactive server 60, as will bedescribed below, the first and second mobile devices 20, 30 maycommunicate with one another via the server 60, at least for purposes ofdeveloping a match and/or establishing a communication channel 70therebetween. For example, the server 60 may automatically, and/or uponselective confirmation by the users 22, 32, detect the location of therespective mobile devices 20, 30, and determine whether there is amatch. The server 60 may send notifications, confirmations, etc. to therespective devices 20, 30, for example, via text message, e-mail,pop-up, voice call, etc., in connection with the same.

In at least one embodiment wherein the first and/or second socialinteractive pairing criterion 25, 35 is stored or contained on thecorresponding first and/or second mobile devices 20, 30, however, themobile devices 20, 30 may communicate directly with one another, such asvia a peer-to-peer, Bluetooth network, cellular, satellite, infrared, orother wireless network, for example, and completely bypass use of or aneed for the social interactive server 60. This feature may be importantand/or convenient when or if the mobile devices 20, 30 are not able toconnect with a server 60, and/or are otherwise out of range of theserver 60, satellite, cellular tower, or other communication orconnection structure. As such, the first and/or second mobile devices20, 30 of at least one embodiment are equipped or configured to detectthe presence of proximately disposed other mobile devices 20, 30, anddetermine whether there is a match therebetween. Of course at least someor all of the social interactive pairing criterion 25, 35 may bedisposed or stored on the devices 20, 30 themselves while communicationtherebetween is processed and/or developed thorough the server 60.

In particular, in at least one embodiment, the mobile devices 20, 30include software or executable applications which are structured tofacilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended mannerwithout the need or use of a social interactive server 60. Specifically,the user 22, 32 of the mobile device(s) 20, 30 may enter certain profileinformation and/or prospective match information directly into thedevice 20, 30 itself, such as via typing, voice command, transfer from acomputer, etc. Accordingly, the mobile devices 20, 30 comprisecorresponding software and/or hardware structured to facilitate practiceof the present invention independent of and without the need for asocial interactive server 60.

Furthermore, upon disposition of the first and second mobile devices 20,30 in a physical and/or geographic proximity to one another, the presentinvention includes determining whether there is a match therebetween, orotherwise determining whether the first and second social interactivepairing criteria 25, 35 coincide with one another, as generallyindicated at 108. Particularly, in at least one embodiment, the firstand/or second social interactive pairing criteria 25, 35 may include,and a user 22, 32 of the mobile device(s) 20, 30 may specify orindicate, a maximum, minimum, or preferred distance or range in which tocommunicate with another mobile device 20, 30. For instance, the user22, 32 may indicate on the device 20, 30 itself, on the socialinteractive server 60, during registration with the interactive socialnetwork 40, etc., a preferred distance from another device 20, 30 inwhich to communicate with, for instance, five (5) feet or one (1) mile.Of course, the distance may be preset by the software, application,and/or server 60 and thus, in at least one embodiment, unable to bemodified by a user 22, 32.

Specifically, in at least one embodiment, the mobile devices 20, 30 areequipped with certain locational mechanisms and/or software, such asglobal positioning system(s) (“GPS”) in order for the mobile devices 20,30 and/or the server 60 to detect or estimate the mobile devices' 20, 30location. Of course, the server 60 and/or other structure may usecertain algorithms or triangulation calculations in order to determineor estimate the location of the one or more mobile device(s) 20, of thepresent invention.

Either way, as indicated above, once the devices 20, 30 are disposed ina physical and/or geographic proximity to one another, for instance, inthe same room, party, wedding, meeting, etc., the present inventionincludes determining whether the first and second social interactivepairing criterion 25, 35 coincide with one another, as at 108. Inparticular, the mobile devices 20, 30 may, in at least one embodiment,be configured by the corresponding user 22, 32 to be disposed in acommunicating mode so as to either detect or be detected by other mobiledevices 20, 30. In such an instance, the particular mobile device 20, 30may be attempting to search and/or filter for other proximately disposeddevices 20, 30, and/or be configured as being available or in abroadcasting mode in order to be detected by other devices 20, 30.Particularly, in at least one embodiment, the user 22, 32 of a mobiledevice 20, 30 may notify the social interactive server 60 via the device20, 30 that he/she desires to place the mobile device 20, 30 in thecommunicative mode. The server 60 and/or the software disposed thereonmay thus be configured to locate the mobile device(s) 20, 30 and searchfor other mobile device(s) 20, 30 disposed in a proximate locationthereto. In at least one embodiment, however, and as mentioned above,the mobile devices 20, 30 are equipped with hardware and/or software orotherwise configured to detect or be detected by other mobile devices20, 30 independent of any server 60. As such, the mobile devices 20, 30may utilize wireless communications, Bluetooth, infrared, cellulartechnology or other mechanisms to communicate, detect, and/or bedetected.

It should be apparent that at least one mobile device 20, of the presentinvention, may be structured and configured to be disposed in acommunicative relation with one or a plurality of second mobile devices30 in the manner as described in detail herein. In particular, the firstmobile device 20 of at least one embodiment may be structured andconfigured to simultaneously, selectively, or successively communicatewith one or more second mobile devices 30 disposed in a proximaterelation thereto. In addition, the first mobile device 20 may beconfigured or programmed to be disposed in a communicative relation witha certain predetermined or selected maximum number of second mobiledevices 30.

Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the first social interactivepairing criteria 25 comprises a selective characteristic of anindividual or user associated with a prospective wireless match. Theselective characteristic(s) may include, for example, physical,locational, emotional, or personality type characteristics. In addition,the second social interactive pairing criteria 35 associated with thesecond mobile device 30 may comprise a pre-established or predefinedprofile associated with the user 32 thereof. Specifically, the profilemay be stored on the second mobile device 30 itself and/or one or moresocial interactive servers 60, as described above.

In particular, and for exemplary purposes only, the first socialinteractive pairing criteria 25 associated with the first mobile device20 may essentially represent that the user 22 thereof is searching for a25 to 30 year old female individual, between 5′4″ and 5′8″, blonde orbrown hair, living in South Florida. If the second social interactivepairing criterion 35 associated with the second mobile device 30includes a pre-established or pre-defined profile which coincidestherewith, or represents, for example, a 28 year old, 5′6″, blondefemale, living in Miami, Fla., at least one embodiment of the presentinvention would determine that the first and second social interactivepairing criteria 25, 35 coincide with one another, assuming that each ofthe respective devices 20, 30 are configured to be in the communicativemode, as described above. Of course, the various embodiments of thepresent invention include certain predefined software algorithms whichare structured to determine a match. The algorithms of the variousembodiments may weigh certain attributes or profile information moreheavily than others and/or only compare certain pre-specifiedattributes.

Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, upon disposition of the firstand second mobile devices 20, 30 in the physical or geographic proximitywith one another, and/or upon determining a match therebetween, thesecond social interactive pairing criteria 35, such as, for example, theprofile associated with the user 32, is communicated to the first mobiledevice 20. Upon its receipt, the user 22 of the first mobile device 20may selectively confirm or deny whether to establish a communicationchannel therewith. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the firstsocial interactive pairing criteria 25, such as the prospective matchinformation, and/or a profile associated with the user 22 of the firstmobile device 20 may be communicated to the second mobile device 30.Upon its receipt, the user 32 of the second mobile device 30 mayselectively confirm or deny whether to establish a communication channeltherebetween. It should be noted that, in at least one embodiment, theentire profile associated with the first and/or second mobile device 20,30 may be communicated to the other device 20, 30 for review thereof.However, certain information may be withheld upon the correspondinguser's 22, 32 request.

Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the present invention isstructured to graphically display a map illustrating the user's 22location as well as the location of any one or more prospective matchesdisposed in a proximate location. In particular, the method of thepresent invention may, in at least one embodiment, comprise graphicallydisplaying on the first mobile device 20 the location of one or aplurality of proximately disposed second mobile devices 30. Of course,the second mobile device(s) 30 may also graphically display the locationof the first mobile device(s) 20. For exemplary purposes only, andreferring now to the schematic representation illustrated in FIG. 5,while in a large room 90 or trade show, at least one embodiment isstructured to graphically display a map 95 of the room 90 and/or tradeshow while indicating the location of the user 22, 32 and/or one or morepotential matches thereon via for instance, an icon 96, 97,respectively. Of course any indication or indicia may be used torepresent the location of the users 22, 32, and/or the respective mobiledevices 20, 30. The walls, tables, chairs, doors, desks, booths, orother structures or devices 92 within the room 90 may also begraphically displayed on the map 95, as illustrated in the expanded viewof the first mobile device 20 of FIG. 5.

In addition, an introduction communication channel may be establishedwherein the users 22, 32 may electronically communicate with one anothervia limited means, such as, for instance, only e-mail, text message, orlive chat. The user's 22, 32 may later decide to establish a fullcommunication channel where digital media can also be communicated.

Furthermore, once a match has been determined, or otherwise once it hasbeen determined that the first and second social interactive pairingcriteria 25, 35 coincide with one another, at least one embodiment ofthe present invention is structured to automatically or upon the user's22, 32 selective confirmation, establish a communication channel 70between the first and second mobile devices 20, 30 so as to facilitatecommunication therebetween, as generally indicated at 110. As such, theuser 22 at the first mobile device 20 may communicate with the user 32at the second mobile device 30 via voice messages, live chatting, textmessages, photographs, videos, contact information, electronic mail,and/or any other digital media or communication techniques, andvice-versa.

In addition, the first and second mobile devices 20, 30 may beconfigured to automatically, or upon the user's selective confirmation,communicate and/or push certain selective digital media, such asphotographs, messages, videos, etc. upon the establishment of thecommunication channel therebetween. The digital media may comprise, butis certainly not limited to MP3, AAC, WMV, MPEF, AVI, MICROSOFT WORD®,MICROSOFT EXCEL®, ADOBE ACROBAT®, PDF, or VCF files. In particular, thepushing of the digital media allows users 22, 32 to communicate with oneanother via the mobile devices 20, 30 without any human voice one-to-onecommunication. As such, in at least one embodiment, the mobile devices20, 30 of at least one embodiment may be at least partially autonomousin connection with establishing a match, and communicating certain mediaand/or messages.

In yet another embodiment, upon disposition of the first and secondmobile devices 20, 30 in a physical and/or geographic proximity to oneanother, the present invention is structured to query the second mobiledevice 30 so as to determine whether the first and second interactivepairing criterion 25, 35 coincide with one another. The queries may, inat least one embodiment, occur automatically upon disposition of themobile devices 20, 30 in a physical proximity to one another and/or uponinteractive or selective input from the respective users 22, 32 thereof.In addition, as will be described below, at least one embodiment maycomprise a series of successive queries to the first and/or secondmobile devices 20, 30.

In particular, as identified above, the first social interactive pairingcriteria 25 and/or the prospective match information of the presentinvention may comprise a plurality of selective characteristics, such asfemale, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5′5″, living in Miami, Fla. Further, theprospective match information may be compound and may include thefollowing, for example: a female with blonde or brown hair, and livingin Miami, Fla.; if blonde hair, then blue eyes, but if brown hair, thenbrown eyes.

As identified above, in at least one embodiment, the present inventionis structured to query the second mobile device 30 to determine if thefirst and second social interactive pairing criteria 25, 35 coincidewith one another, or otherwise determine if the selectivecharacteristics associated with the first mobile device 20 coincide withthe profile of the second mobile device 30. Accordingly, upondisposition of the devices 20, 30 in a proximate relation with oneanother, the first device 20 and/or the server 60 of at least oneembodiment is structured to query the second mobile device 30, whereinthe user 32 may selectively respond. However, it is contemplated that,in at least one embodiment, the second mobile device 30 mayautomatically respond with or without the user's 32 knowledge basedupon, for example, the user's 32 pre-established profile.

For instance, the second mobile device 30 may be asked male or female?Using the example identified above, if the second mobile device 30responds with “male”, the query session ends as there is no match.However, if the second mobile device 30 responds with “female,” at leastone embodiment of the present invention is structured to provide aseries of successive queries, and may thus ask a follow-up question,such as, what is your hair color? Again using the example above, if theresponse is “red” the query session ends. However, “blonde” or “brown”will continue the series of successive queries.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the interactivesocial network 40 comprises one or more social networking websites 80accessible via an interactive computer network 50. Specifically, in atleast one embodiment, the interactive computer network 50, as usedherein, may generally refer to a collection of computer networkscommonly known as the World Wide Web. Specifically, the World Wide Webrepresents a collection of computer networks cooperatively connected toeach other and accessed by virtue of the Internet Protocol or other likeprotocols. It is contemplated, however, that the interactive computernetwork 50 may include virtually any computer network, such as, forexample, a Wide Area Network (“WAN”), Local Area Network (“LAN”),Intranet, peer-to-peer network (“P2P”), Blue Tooth network, mobilenetwork, etc.

In addition, the one or more social networking websites 80 may comprise,for example, MYSPACE®, FACEBOOK®, LINKEDIN®, etc. Accordingly,synchronizing the first mobile device 20 and the second mobile device 30with an interactive social network 40, as represented at 102, may, in atleast one embodiment, comprise virtually linking the mobile devices 20,30 with a social networking website 80 such as MYSPACE®, FACRBOOK®, orLINKEDIN®. Specifically, in at least one embodiment, the first mobiledevice 20 is linked with a first profile 82 associated with the socialnetworking website 80 and the second mobile device 30 is linked with asecond profile 84 associated with the same social networking website 80.Upon doing so, in at least one embodiment, the first and second profiles82, 84 of the social networking website 80, and/or an identification ofthe “contacts” or “friends” associated therewith, is downloaded or savedto the respective mobile device 20, 30 and/or the server 60. However, inat least one embodiment, the mobile devices 20, 30 and/or server 60 maybe structured, configured, and authorized to access in real-time theassociated social networking website profile 82, 84 so as to compare thecorresponding “contacts” and/or “friends” with other mobile devices 20,30, as explained below.

For instance, a member or profile 82, 84 of the social networkingwebsite 80 may include or otherwise be associated with one or more“contacts” and/or “friends.” The “contacts” and/or “friends” aregenerally other members of the same social networking website 80.Moreover, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the user22 of the first mobile device 20 is associated with the first profile 82of the social networking website 80, and thus the “contacts” or“friends” thereof are those of the user 22. Similarly, the user 32 ofsecond device 30 is associated with the second profile 84 of the socialnetworking website 80, and thus the “contacts” or “friends” thereof arethose of the user 32. As such, in at least one embodiment of the presentinvention, the first social interactive pairing criterion 25 comprisesan identification of at least one social contact or friend associatedwith the first profile 82 of the social networking website 80.Similarly, the second social interactive pairing criterion 35 of atleast one embodiment comprises an identification of at least one socialcontact associated with the second profile 84 of the social networkingwebsite 80.

Thus, in such an embodiment, if the first profile 82 and the secondprofile 84 are in fact virtually connected with one another via thesocial networking website 80, upon disposition of the first and secondmobile devices 20, 30 in a physical and/or geographic proximity to oneanother, at least one embodiment of the present invention is structuredto dispose the mobile devices 20, 30 in a communicative relation withone another, or otherwise notify the users 22, 32 thereof of eachother's presence. In particular, the first and second profiles 82, 84are said to be virtually connected with one another if the first andsecond profiles 82, 84 are “contacts” or “friends” with one anotherwithin the social networking website, as schematically illustrated as 86in FIG. 4.

Furthermore, as presented below, the following are mere illustrativeexamples of the present invention in accordance with the detaileddescription of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For instance, auser 22 may walk into a meeting room and instruct his/her mobile device20 to search for other users 32 who are on a pre-established “friend” or“contact” list associated with a particular social networking website,such as MYSPACE®. The user's 22 mobile device 20 may receivecommunications from a social networking server 60 that anotherindividual who is identified on the “friend” or “contact” list is in ageographic proximity to the user 22, for instance, within the samemeeting room. Both users 22, 32 are advised of each other's presence viacommunication from the server 60 and may selectively choose tocommunicate with one another in virtually any manner, such as, walkingover to each other, instant messaging, telephone, or e-mail.

In yet another illustrative example of the present invention, a user 22is at a party and desires to selectively advise other individuals thathe or she is there. The user 22 may push or communicate to the server 60via the first mobile device 20 that he/she is at the party and alsoindicate certain prospective match information directly on the mobiledevice 20 in real-time. The user 22 may update or modify the prospectivematch information or any profile information at any time via the mobiledevice 20, itself, and without the need to access a separate computer orserver 60.

In a further illustrative example, a user 22 is at a trade show anddesired to transmit his electronic business card, for instance in a .vcfformat, or other digital media or data to other individuals who areinterested in receiving it. The user 22 may then instruct the mobiledevice 20 to push his or her location to the server 60, and the server60 may thereafter search for other users or mobile devices 30 disposedin a geographic proximity who are interested in receiving the user's 22electronic business card. If so, the server 60 may send the informationto such individuals or mobile devices 30.

As another illustrative example, a user 22 is at a function and desiresto meet another individual who is a member of the same affinity group.The affinity group may include, for example, a military group, the U.S.Air Force, a school, an online community, a common interest group, amember of a particular company, charity, or sports group, etc. The user22 may instruct his mobile device 20 to push his geographic location andan identification of his affinity group to the server 60. The server 60is then structured to locate any other individuals in a geographicproximity who are members of the same or similar affinity group.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

1-35. (canceled)
 36. A method, executed by a first mobile device havinga first interactive pairing criterion associated therewith, comprising:issuing, upon a second mobile device having a second interactive pairingcriterion being geographically positioned within a predeterminedgeographic distance from the first mobile device, a series of successiveautomatic queries to determine whether the first interactive pairingcriterion and the second interactive pairing criterion at leastpartially coincide with one another; and graphically displaying, upon adetermination that the first interactive pairing criterion and thesecond interactive pairing criterion at least partially coincide withone another, locations of a plurality of second mobile devices.
 37. Themethod of claim 36, further comprising: determining a first geographiclocation of the first mobile device.
 38. The method of claim 37, furthercomprising: determining a second geographic location of the secondmobile device.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein the first geographiclocation of the first mobile device is determined using a globalpositioning system.
 40. The method of claim 36, further comprising:receiving a selection of the predetermined geographic distance.
 41. Themethod of claim 36, further comprising: receiving a selection of one ofthe plurality of second mobile devices; and establishing a communicationchannel between the first mobile device and the selected second mobiledevice.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the communication channelbetween the first mobile device and the selected second mobile device isestablished via a peer-to-peer network.
 43. The method of claim 41,wherein the communication channel between the first mobile device andthe selected second mobile device is established via a social network towhich the first mobile device and the second mobile device are bothconnected.
 44. The method of claim 36, wherein the series of successiveautomatic queries are issued via a social network to which the firstmobile device and the second mobile device are both connected.
 45. Themethod of claim 36, further comprising: receiving a pre-establishedprofile associated with the second mobile device upon the determinationthat the first interactive pairing criterion and the second interactivepairing criterion at least partially coincide with one another.
 46. Afirst mobile device having a first interactive pairing criterionassociated therewith, comprising: a display; and a processor, whereinthe processor is configured to perform: issuing, upon a second mobiledevice having a second interactive pairing criterion beinggeographically positioned within a predetermined geographic distancefrom the first mobile device, a series of successive automatic queriesto determine whether the first interactive pairing criterion and thesecond interactive pairing criterion at least partially coincide withone another; and graphically displaying on the display, upon adetermination that the first interactive pairing criterion and thesecond interactive pairing criterion at least partially coincide withone another, locations of a plurality of second mobile devices.
 47. Thefirst mobile device of claim 46, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to perform: determining a first geographic location of thefirst mobile device.
 48. The first mobile device of claim 47, whereinthe processor is further configured to perform: determining a secondgeographic location of the second mobile device.
 49. The first mobiledevice of claim 47, wherein the first geographic location of the firstmobile device is determined using a global positioning system.
 50. Thefirst mobile device of claim 46, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to perform: receiving a selection of the predeterminedgeographic distance.
 51. The first mobile device of claim 46, whereinthe processor is further configured to perform: receiving a selection ofone of the plurality of second mobile devices; and establishing acommunication channel between the first mobile device and the selectedsecond mobile device.
 52. The first mobile device of claim 51, whereinthe communication channel between the first mobile device and theselected second mobile device is established via a peer-to-peer network.53. The first mobile device of claim 51, wherein the communicationchannel between the first mobile device and the selected second mobiledevice is established via a social network to which the first mobiledevice and the second mobile device are both connected.
 54. The firstmobile device of claim 46, wherein the series of successive automaticqueries are issued via a social network to which the first mobile deviceand the second mobile device are both connected.
 55. The first mobiledevice of claim 46, wherein the processor is further configured toperform: receiving a pre-established profile associated with the secondmobile device upon the determination that the first interactive pairingcriterion and the second interactive pairing criterion at leastpartially coincide with one another.